Getting started: About Madrid
- Madrid is one of the Europe’s highest capital at 650 meters above sea level.
- It is believed that what is now Madrid was established in the 9th century by the emir of Córdoba as a citadel. It was called Mayrit (“plenty of waterways”) a tribute to its location along the Manzanares river.
- Madrid is home to the “Golden Triangle of Art” – an area featuring three of the world’s most prominent museums: the Prado, the Reina Sofia and the Thyssen-Bornemisza.
- For history buffs, the city offers a plethora of historical sites to visit in Madrid, including the world’s continually operating oldest restaurant and an ancient Egyptian temple.
- Madrid is considered a gastronomic capital of Europe, with 27 Michelin-starred restaurants in the city and surrounding area, and a wide range of eateries offering everything from traditional Spanish dishes to ultra-modern fusion cuisine.
- While visiting Madrid, you may encounter a local custom known as the “siesta”. Some shops and eateries close from about 14.00 to 17.00, so employees can eat and rest. Bars and clubs in the city get going after midnight, so an afternoon nap might be welcome!
When to visit Madrid
Summer in Madrid is, in general, scorching hot. The sunny spring months, when the city is less crowded and temperatures more moderate, may be a better time to enjoy Madrid’s attractions. In May, the week-long San Isidro Festival features all sorts of events across the city, while the Feria del Otoño (Autumn Festival) generally takes place at the beginning of October.
Historical places to visit in Madrid
Royal Palace of Madrid
One of the top places to visit in Madrid is the Royal Palace of Madrid, counted among Europe’s most magnificent palaces. Featuring 3,418 rooms and an area of 135,000 square meters, it is one of the largest palaces in the world. Inside the palace are the works of famous artists from Goya to Velazquez. The colorful Changing of the Royal Guard ceremony takes place on Wednesdays and Fridays in the Palace Garden.
Cybele Square (Plaza de Cibeles)
Another place to visit in Madrid is Cibeles Square. The centerpiece of the square is a circular plaza featuring the neo-classical Fountain of Cybele, a marble fountain commissioned in 1782. The buildings around the plaza include City Hall, the Bank of Spain (Banco de España), Linares Palace (Palacio de Linares) and Cybele Palace (Palacio de Cibeles). Plaza de Cibeles is a central point of the city and a popular tourist destination.
Temple of Debod (Templo de Debod)
While the idea of an Egyptian temple in the middle of Madrid may sound odd, there is indeed such a place. Dating from the 2nd century BC, the Temple of Debod was donated to Spain by the Egyptian government for conservation purposes. The structure was dismantled and rebuilt after arriving in Madrid. It has been open to visitors since 1972 and is a popular place to view the sunset.
Popular places to visit in Madrid
Gran Via
The Gran Via, one of the most popular places to visit in Madrid, is an important shopping street in Madrid, featuring luxury boutiques and famous chain stores, along with historical buildings.
El Rastro
Operating since 1740, this colorful and often crowded Sunday market offers a wide range of products, from antiques to clothes. El Rastro is one of the most popular places to visit in Madrid and is also open on public holidays.
Mercado de San Miguel
Another prominent market in Madrid, Mercado de San Miguel has been in business since 1916, with stalls offering an enormous variety of produce, local products and Spanish specialties. You can visit this local food market everyday.
Prado Museum (Museo Nacional del Prado)
Founded in 1819 as a museum of painting and sculpture, the Prado is now one of the world’s most prominent museums, housing an extraordinary collection of works dating from the last four centuries, including numerous paintings by Spanish and European artists such as Titian, El Greco, Rubens, Velázquez and Goya.
Dining in Madrid
As noted, Madrid is a fantastic city to visit, not just for sightseeing but for eating! We’ve listed some of the city’s most well-known dishes below.
- Tapas – refers to cold or hot appetizers. Originally served as bar snacks, these ‘small plates’ can consist of simple dishes of olives, cheeses or sausage – or delicious seafood or vegetable preparations.
- Paella – a dish made with round-grain rice, usually tinted by saffron or turmeric, along with olive oil, spices, herbs and broth. Paella usually includes meat or seafood.
- Tortilla – a Spanish-style omelet made with potatoes, onions and eggs.
- Arroz con leche – a rice pudding with milk, sugar and cinnamon.
- Churros – a sweet, high-calorie street snack of fried dough.
- Patatas bravas – fried potatoes served with parsley and a spicy sauce.
- Callos a la Madrileña – a traditional dish of stewed pig or cow tripe.
Transportation in Madrid
Madrid Barajas airport transportation
Trains and the metro operate between the city center and Madrid Barajas Airport, as do buses 827, 828 and 822. From the airport’s Terminal 4, the C1 line runs to Principe Pio, Chamartin, Nuevos Ministerios, Atocha, Puerta del Sol and Méndez Álvaro. From Terminals 2 and 4, the metro’s line 8 runs to the city center.
Urban transportation in Madrid
Madrid has a robust metro system: With 13 different metro lines running between 06.00-01.30, almost every point of the city is accessible via metro. There are also more than 200 bus lines in the city. You can buy single-use, daily or weekly tickets for public transportation in Madrid. Public transportation tickets can be obtained from automatic machines at the metro stations or ticket offices.
Important phone numbers and information
Official language: Spanish
Currency: Euro
Socket type: C, F
Area Code: +34
Emergency Assistance: 112
